Welcome, dear readers, to a culinary celebration of the holiday season! As we deck the halls and trim the tree, let’s not forget to indulge in the joyous spirit of sharing delicious meals with our loved ones. This year, I’m thrilled to present a recipe that will add a touch of merriment to your table – St. Nick-N-Tenders, a festive twist on classic fried chicken tenders.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken breast cut into tenders, patted dry
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Dipping Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Marinate in Merriment: Begin by marinating the chicken tenders in a bowl of buttermilk. Allow them to soak in the tangy richness for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, in the refrigerator. This not only tenderizes the chicken but infuses it with a delightful hint of buttermilk goodness.
2. Flourish of Flavor: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix these festive seasonings well to create a flavor-packed coating for your St. Nick-N-Tenders.
3. The Cozy Crisping Process: Remove the marinated chicken tenders from the refrigerator and let them reach room temperature. In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). As the oil warms, dredge each chicken tender in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring a generous coating for that extra crunch.
4. Fry to Festive Perfection: Carefully place the coated tenders in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry each side until golden brown, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Once the St. Nick-N-Tenders achieve a heavenly golden hue, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
5. A Symphony of Flavors: While our St. Nick-N-Tenders cool slightly, let’s prepare the accompanying dipping sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. This delectable sauce adds a zesty and sweet note to complement the savory crunch of the tenders.
6. Presentation with Panache: Arrange your St. Nick-N-Tenders on a festive platter, perhaps garnished with sprigs of fresh thyme or nestled beside a vibrant array of holiday greens. The tantalizing aroma and cheerful presentation will undoubtedly elevate the festive ambiance of your holiday gathering. (Pro-Tip: Serve with a side of crinkle cut french fried potatoes and call them Kris Kringle Kut Fries! You’ll get kudos on both your wordplay and your pairing!)
As you and your loved ones savor the crispy joy of St. Nick-N-Tenders, remember that the holidays are a time to create lasting memories and share laughter around the table. Whether served as an appetizer at a holiday soirée or as a main course for a cozy family dinner, these delightful tenders are sure to become a cherished tradition.
From my kitchen to yours, I wish you a season filled with warmth, joy, and the irresistible flavors of St. Nick-N-Tenders. May your holidays be as delicious as they are delightful!
Barbara Bakes
